NCTE Advice Sheet – PC Specifications
Advice Sheet 2
Computer Specifications (PC)
What is the Specification?
The specification or ‘spec’ is a list of the key components that make up the computer. It is
provided by retailers to help buyers decide which PC, and which combination of features, they
need. When buying a PC, it is important to start by deciding what it is you want the PC to do.
This then informs what specification you actually need.
When reviewing a computer specification, the most important components to take account of
are the processor, the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive as these are central to
the overall capability of the system. If it is planned to use specialised programs for students
with special needs (e.g., scan/read software), it is advisable to purchase a suitable
specification computer to meet the system requirements for these programs.
Understanding a Specification
Processor Information
The processor is the ‘brain’ of the computer
and controls most of the work done
PC Specification
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Intel or AMD Processor Model No
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1GB SDRAM
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80GB Hard Drive
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48X Max CD/DVD Drive
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17” Flat Screen Colour Monitor
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Graphics Card
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Microsoft Windows XP
Memory Information
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the
working memory the computer has
available to do work
Hard Drive Information
The hard drive is a central storage area for
the programs being run and the documents
or assets created
Other Information
Includes information about the sound and
graphics capability of the computer, as well
as details of the monitor, operating system
and software that come with the computer
Processors
Two companies - Intel Inc. and AMD Inc. - manufacture most of today’s PC processors and
both offer a range that balances price and performance. Processors are generally defined by
their speed - in megahertz (MHz) or in gigahertz (GHz) - and this relates to the number of
operations they can perform per second. The higher the value, the faster the PC will perform
and the more expensive it generally is. The latest dual core processors have two processors
on a single chip and operate more efficiently at lower speeds e.g. Intel’s Pentium D and
AMD’s Athlon X2. More recent more powerful processors use a 64 Bit architecture, rather
than the previous 32 Bit models.
IDEAL FOR
Entry-level processors
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•
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Office applications
Internet browsing
Basic graphics programs
Home computing
Mid-range processors
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•
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Educational software
Office applications
General multimedia applications
Internet browsing
High-end processors
• Processor intensive
multimedia creation
applications, e.g. 3D graphics
and video editing
• Office applications
• Internet browsing
© National Centre for Technology in Education June 2007
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PROCESSOR
TYPES
NCTE Advice Sheet – PC Specifications
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• Intel Pentium 4
• AMD Athlon (32 Bit)
• AMD Opteron
Intel Celeron D
AMD Sempron
Advice Sheet 2
• Xeon
• AMD Athlon 64 X2
Memory (RAM)
The main working memory in a computer is called random access memory or RAM. The
processor uses this memory to run programs. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB). Most
modern computers use DDR 2 RAM.
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A minimum of 1024MB (1GB) of RAM is recommended for general purpose PCs.
2048MB (2GB) of RAM is recommended for PCs running multimedia applications,
i.e., those on which digital music, digital video or high-end graphics are being
created/edited.
Storage – The Hard Drive
The hard drive is the computer’s primary storage area. It stores the applications and
programs that run on the PC, as well as any work created by users. From a school’s
perspective, the capacity of the hard drive, measured in gigabytes (GB), is a key criterion and
should be given due consideration when reviewing PC specifications.
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A hard drive capacity of at least 80GB is recommended for general purpose PCs.
A hard drive capacity of 200GB or more is recommended if working with multimedia
applications where large graphics and digital audio/video files are being created and
stored.
Other Specifications
Monitors
The older CRTs have been largely replaced by TFT flat-screens. A 15” TFT has the same
viewing area as the older 17” CRT.
• Average entry-level PCs usually come with a 15” flat-screen and this is adequate for
most general purpose applications.
• Larger 17” flat-screens are available and may be appropriate if video editing and
advanced graphics work is being carried out.
• Teachers of students with special needs may want to consider using larger monitors
with their students.
CD / DVD Drives
CD R/W drives are standard on PCs and allow the information on a compact disc (either data
or audio) to be read and written to by the PC. It is defined by its speed (i.e., 48x or 48 speed).
DVD drives can read both CDs and DVDs. 48x DVD-ROM/CD_RW drives are standard on
entry level computers. These allow you to copy to blank CDs. 52x DVD-RWs are standard
on higher performance computers. Educational software is being developed in both DVD and
CD formats, but a DVD can hold over 25 times more data than a CD.
Graphics and Sound Cards
These cards are installed inside a PC and are responsible for determining the quality of the
audio and visuals (graphics and video) output by the computer. They hold their own memory
(in MB), which is why they add to a computer’s capability.
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A integrated graphics card with 256MB of memory is recommended for general
purpose PCs.
Computers running high-end applications generally require a separate PCI 128MB
graphics card.
© National Centre for Technology in Education June 2007
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NCTE Advice Sheet – PC Specifications
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Advice Sheet 2
A sound card generally comes as standard in most PCs purchased today. If students
intend to work extensively with digital music, the school should consider getting a
high-end sound card as this will create greater depth, complexity and realism of
sound.
Speakers and Headphones
Most computers come with either built-in or external speakers. Schools may also consider
buying headphones to control sound levels within a classroom or computer room. Cheap
‘headphone splitters’ can also be purchased — these enable two sets of headphones to be
used per computer.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
It is recommended that all PCs be purchased with a suitable network interface card (NIC). A
network card allows a computer to be connected to a network. A 10/100/1000 Mbps (Mega
bits per second) card is the standard network card today. Few school networks currently
operate at speeds higher than 100Mbps .
Operating Systems (OS)
PCs are generally purchased with an operating system pre-installed. It is worth checking that
your existing software will still work with the operating system of any new systems being
purchased. It may be possible to choose a particular operating system and, if so, this may
help standardise new machines with existing school PCs. Microsoft introduced their Vista OS
in January 2007. Windows XP however will probably remain the most commonly used OS till
approx mid-2008. Windows XP Home is at least €100 cheaper than XP Professional but it is
not suitable for school networks. Vista Home Premium replaces XP Home and Vista Business
replaces XP Professional.
Purchasing Considerations
Consider the following points when purchasing PCs
• What is the intended use of the PC and will the chosen specification fulfil these aims?
• Is the PC compatible with existing computer equipment and software?
• Is the technical support service satisfactory?
• A minimum 3 year warranty including next business day (NBD) onsite, including full
parts and labour is recommended
Related Web Sites
How stuff works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
In this article, PCs in the general sense and all the different parts that go into them are explained. You
will learn about the various components and how they work together in a basic operating session. You'll
also find out what the future may hold for these machines.
Note: While the advice sheets aim to act as a guide, the inclusion of any products and
company names does not imply approval by the NCTE, nor does the exclusion imply the
reverse. The NCTE does not accept responsibility for any opinions, advice or
recommendations on external web sites linked to the NCTE site.
This Advice Sheet and other relevant information are available at:
www.ncte.ie/ICTAdviceSupport/AdviceSheets
© National Centre for Technology in Education June 2007
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